It's often cited that restrikes have been around only since the 70's, this is misleading, there's always been restrikes. Once theres money involved people cheat. The fact is that it's now easier to see other examples than it once was. So more people realise they bought some rubbish years ago.
Prior to the internet, you only had auctions and dealer lists. If you bought a fake how could you compare it? I often dispair walking around Militaria fairs with tables full of crap. The percentage of REAL badges on sale must be quite low. This hobby is full of falsehoods, legends and outright cheating all in the name of justifying the ownership or shifting dodgy badges.
There's nothing like finding a seller who sells only items he truly knows / feels are genuine and sticking with him. Buying from anywhere else is a risk, unless you know what your after.
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